IT'S hard to imagine that Kinloch Wines in Victoria's Boorolite Valley was developed as recently as 1996.

Business brains Malcolm and Susan Kinloch successfully transformed their property from back block to boutique winery, complete with 4ha of vines, Mediterranean-style home and cellar door and cafe, after leaving their careers in commerce.

    KAINUI
  • MANSFIELD
  • Property: lifestyle/vineyard/retail
  • Size: 28ha
  • Price: $1.5 million-plus (not including Kinloch Wines label)
  • Agent: Noble Knight Mansfield (03) 5775 3033 and Pat Rice & Hawkins Melbourne (03) 9866 5588.
  • For sale by expressions of interest, closing Thursday April 26.

When the couple arrived at the property, named Kainui, it had a basic home and hay shed and was running cattle.

"We decided to plant vines after taking advice from local established grape growers," Malcolm said.

It was good advice. The six-variety vineyard has won recognition for its still and sparkling wines.

"Our signature Don Kinloch sparkling has won an award or medal in every vintage since we first released it in 2004 and the current 2008 release was judged best in class at the recent Federation Square Showcase Awards," Malcolm said.

Annual production is matched to demand for 2000 cases of wine sold through the vineyard's own wine club and at the wholesale, retail and cellar door levels.

"We use a contract winemaker in the Yarra Valley so the vineyard management, winemaking and marketing arrangements could remain undisturbed under new ownership," Malcolm said.

The original Kainui homestead has been redeveloped into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom home with large open-plan living area, wide verandas, grass tennis court and an outdoor living area planned to maximise views of the surrounding high country.

Spanning 492sq m, the versatile floorplan allows for the option of a bed and breakfast or other hospitality ventures.

The home is complemented by big shed (for a boat, perhaps), dual roller-door garage and wood shed.

The original hay shed has had a makeover and now serves as the Kinloch Wines cafe and cellar door, with indoor and alfresco dining, and is a favoured foodie destination on the tourist trail.

"We believe we have got everything in place to allow a seamless handover of the property as a lifestyle destination with the potential to continue to develop or implement new business opportunities," Susan said.

A new owner also could continue the wine operation as a stand alone business.

Additional infrastructure includes a machinery shed, kitchenette and laboratory with a chemical store and fuel station.

The Kinlochs are selling to retire, but will gladly provide advice to anyone interested regarding the running of the business.

Kainui is 20km south of Mansfield and 200km north east of Melbourne.